Teammate explains disappointment Antoine Griezmann spell at Barcelona – “Like many players…” | OneFootball

Antoine Griezmann has now left Spanish football, with the former Barcelona forward leaving Atletico Madrid to join Orlando City. The 35-year-old will most be remembered for his time with Los Colchoneros, although there will be a feeling of what could have been from his spell in Catalonia.

Griezmann made the big decision to leave Atleti for Barcelona in the summer of 2019, but after two underwhelming seasons at the Spotify Camp Nou, he returned to the Spanish capital – initially on a two-year loan, which was made permanent in the 2023.

There have always been questions as to why Griezmann never fulfilled his potential at Barcelona, but according to former teammate Jordi Alba, the answer was clear. As per MD, he admitted that the French forward never adapted to life within Can Barca.

“He did things well. He was a very diligent boy. He gave us something else, because having worked with Cholo physically he was always full. Technically, very good. But, like many players, in the end they don’t adapt in the best way. Then he returned to Atlético and returned to being that Griezmann that Barça looked at.”

Could it be different for Julian Alvarez?

Image via Eric Alonso/Getty Images

Seven years on from Griezmann’s move to Barcelona, another forward could be set to arrive from Atleti: Julian Alvarez. The Catalans have the Argentine striker as their leading candidate to replace the outgoing Robert Lewandowski, although their pursuit has not been easy – especially with Real Madrid having got involved in the last week.

A move from Atleti to Barcelona would be as big for Alvarez as it was for Griezmann, and if he did end up at the Spotify Camp Nou, he would have to learn from his former Los Colchoneros teammate. It would be interesting to see whether he did, although that would be dependant on a deal being struck with the reluctant La Liga giants.